Physical activity promotion behaviours of podiatrists

NewsBot · Sep 10, 2013

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Understanding the physical activity promotion behaviours of podiatrists: a qualitative study
Paul Crisford, Tania Winzenberg, Alison Venn and Verity Cleland
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:37 doi:10.1186/1757-1146-6-37

Background
Health professionals are encouraged to play a part in reducing the health risks of physical inactivity. Little is known of the physical activity promotion practice behaviours of podiatrists.

Methods
We performed 20 semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected podiatrists to explore their physical activity promotion attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and practice. Transcribed interviews were coded using an iterative thematic approach to identify major themes and salient beliefs.

Results
Overall, the participants had a positive attitude to physical activity promotion, considering it a normal part of their role. They saw their role as giving information, encouraging activity and making recommendations, however in practice they were less inclined to follow up on recommendations, monitor activity levels or document the process. Their approach was generally opportunistic, informal and unstructured and the content of assessment and promotion dependent upon the presenting patient's condition. Advice tended to be tailored to the patient's capabilities and interests. They considered there are opportunities to promote physical activity during regular consultations, however, were more likely to do so in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Main barriers to physical activity promotion included unreceptive and unmotivated patients as well as a lack of time, skills and resources.

Conclusions
Physical activity promotion appears feasible in podiatry practice in terms of opportunity and acceptability to practitioners, but there is scope for improvement. Strategies to improve promotion need to consider the major issues, barriers and opportunities as well as provide a more structured approach to physical activity promotion by podiatrists.
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NewsBot · Sep 3, 2020

What factors are associated with physical activity promotion in the podiatry setting? A cross-sectional study
Paul Crisford et al
JSAMS: August 31, 2020DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2020.08.008

Objective
To describe the status of and identify factors associated with physical activity promotion by podiatrists.
Design
Cross sectional survey.
Method
In 2016-17 Australian podiatrists were invited to complete an online survey. Items assessed by Likert scale included; frequency of assessing and promoting physical activity and podiatrists’ intentions, attitudes, social norms, confidence, barriers, role beliefs and perceived knowledge and skills regarding the promotion of physical activity. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.
Results
Of 316 respondents, 62% reported always/or often giving general and 39% specific physical activity advice. Attitudes to physical activity promotion were mostly positive and 83% agreed it was part of their role. Many believed they have the knowledge 62%) and skills to promote physical activity. Most podiatrists were confident to carry out basic physical activity promotion activities (83%), but fewer were confident assessing physical activity levels (54%), providing specific advice (47%), monitoring patient physical activity levels (49%) and carrying out physical activity counselling (41%). Modelling revealed intention to promote physical activity was most strongly influenced by experiential beliefs (β = 0.35, 95%CI 0.20-0.51) and instrumental beliefs (β = 0.27, 95%CI 0.15-0.40), whereas physical activity promotion was influenced by intention (β = 0.45, 95%CI 0.35-0.55) and behavioural control (β = 0.43, 95%CI 0.33-0.53).
Conclusion
Physical activity promotion is feasible and regularly practiced in the podiatry setting, however current practice appears suboptimal. Attitudes and behavioural control appear influential in engagement and deserve consideration when designing strategies to improve delivery in podiatric practice.
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